Carol Stream takes first look at budget

Carol Stream is starting its annual budget process on a cautious note.

Village Manager Joseph Breinig says he doesn't expect any major overhauls or increases for taxpayers, but he also won't be recommending any large expenses for the fiscal year that begins May 1.

The village board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, to get a look at the preliminary budget for 2009-10.

"It's early in our budget process," Breinig said Friday. "We're looking to get some policy direction from the village board."

Since Carol Stream does not have a village property tax, its revenue stream depends on state income tax, sales tax and money from real estate transfers.

"Not unlike many communities, the economy is affecting many of our revenues," Breinig said. "But we're not recommending any (tax) increases. It's not as if we're talking about increases in vehicle stickers or anything like that."

Breinig said the board will have more of a general discussion on issues that may come up during more in-depth sessions in March and April.

He said the village has been preparing for a downturn in the economy for the past several years and has left some positions vacant - although none have been eliminated.

He said he doesn't foresee the need for layoffs in the coming year.

Instead, the board likely will want to delay some projects, such as adding another zone on the police department beat.

"We've been disciplining ourselves over the past several years, but I can't think of anything we've done that I would consider to be Draconian," Breinig said. "Are we watching our money? We've always done that."